Our guest today had to be rocketed from The Fourth Dimension and flagged down on his bike, but I finally had the chance to visit with this eternally young-at-heart guy. He calls himself Steveroni, but his real name is Steve Elsaesser, or Steve E. for short. Yes, we know and love this man whose peeps are boundless and comments ever-so-gratifying. His smile is a ray of sunshine, and his writing always touches the heart. Read on to see why.
Let’s start with a poem.
LIFE: TWISTS AND TURNS
(ode to a moment)
ah, peace,
play simply,
enough…
for each moment
wherein i spend
my life.
this instant,
lived in grateful
attitude, love,
extends itself to
countless moments;
moments
of less stuff
–but enough.
as if each “now”
is one of
happiness.
it can be, yes?
most of mine are!
are yours?
NMW?
(No Matter What?)
every single
instant.
happy news
about a friend
came my way.
happily rested
in God’s arms
i feel in
all moments
of yesterday
…and today
–steveroni
Your poetry is always positive and full of so much hope. People feel good after reading your work. Tell me, Steve, how did you come to write poetry this way? Have you always had this kind of outlook on life? If not, what happened?
Laurie, humbly I say to you that yes, I am a positive person. Each morning–this is the truth–I ride my scooter and sort of meditate. Usually my thoughts begin with, “God, please show me someone who needs help today, and see that I have the strength (power) to do it.” And God always comes through, even though I may not recognize it. Today my prayer changed so that I asked God to help me “be kind” to everyone I met. And then (today) God put a learning experience in my life:
I had lost my way in a maze of twisting streets. Seeing a fellow working outside his house, I asked him directions. He could not speak English, but indicated he would drive, I’d follow him, and he’d lead me out–about two miles. Imagine my smile! A complete stranger was “being kind” to me! Unlike “being nice”, “being kind” is action, doing something for others. Constant everyday happenings of this sort keep me positive and filled with hope.
My poetry–such as you called it–is simply ordinary words which communicate what I think, feel and believe. And NO! It was not always thus–grin! First half of my life was lived as a drunken addict in total denial, characterized by self-centeredness and fear. At age 40 (I am now 80) Something happened. All I really know is that Something begins with a capital “S”…and that is when my attitude and outlook on life began to change, EVER so slowly…OH, MY! You have “other” questions?
How long have you been writing poetry? Do you have any other areas of interest? Hobbies?
First poem, age six. Second poem, age 76…so the answer is I only recently started writing anything. Been mostly fiddling around (I play a violin!). I compose (really GOOD!) poems when I am riding my scooter, but when I arrive at a computer they have frequently evaporated like the vanishing clouds of a skywriter.
Regularly, daily, I play violin (mine is reddish-colored, by Luthier Georges Chanot, made in Paris, Fr in 1856) and I teach a 29-yr-old lawyer, now starting his second year. Teaching makes me a better player, I believe. And I play at St. Elizabeth Seton weekly masses.
Exploring history on the Internet is fun, as is reading the blogs, and FaceBooking with people from all over the world, especially my new friends in Europe, India and Malaysia
Every single day I look forward to my scooter ride. I try at least once a year to make a trip north through some states to Virginia, Tennessee, on two wheels. Often friends put me up for a night or few (right, Brian?) and best part is meeting people along the way, giving and receiving the good cheer of friendship–which we cannot otherwise know (like from TV news? Ha!).
Not ONE day passes which contains enough hours to do much of what I enjoy. I pine for more time to write.
What is your favorite of all time movie, song, age, food, animal?
The only movie I have watched more than once, is “The Godfather”, at least five times, but not recently. I’m really not a TV, movie, or newspaper person. I do keep on top of the news (Internet), even though I do not trust the so-called journalistic honesty of the media. My life is peaceful, happy, and free. I’ve cheated cancer and lived seven more years. You see, Laurie, my life is one gift after another!
My favorite music this day is the great Ninth Symphony of Beethoven. I would like to hear during my final moments the last movement which contains famous “Ode to Joy”! What greater tribute to God, than JOY, be it in music, prayer, hardship, or poetry. The Joy of Living, as joy of awareness, discovery, creativity, is what I’ve experienced in later years, the best part of life for me.
My nemesis is chocolate anything. Chocolate File Mignon, chocolate butter on (yes, chocolate) potatoes. I see, you DO understand!
Yes, I do. And I’m having such a tough time because I gave up chocolate for Lent.
Born on a farm, my sister and I had horses, raised our own steers for 4-H Club showing and auction. Of horses, hogs, Holsteins, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and Collie dogs, my favorite animals are cats. I love their independence, patience, and purring. The minimum of care they require is a puss-plus! (“mew-mew”)
LOVE: OBSERVATION
A voice may, of necessity
BUT…….
…….Exquisitely
–Steveroni
What’s would you say is your biggest accomplishment?
Greatest accomplishment? Staying alive–in spite of myself–for nearly 81 years. Seriously…talking about achievements, many years ago a girl walked up to me at a picnic. She said, “Are you Steve? (“Yes.”) Five years ago you came to the detoxification (locked) ward at Naples Community Hospital and I was a patient. You spoke to us for an hour about how to stay sober. I want you to know I have not had a drink since that day–5 years!” Laurie Kolp, that moment gave me not only reason to live again, but to know why. It inspired me to be ME, to write, to make music, to live, to love, to be free. Again, “S”omething happened.
There’s nothing like the feeling of helping someone like that, Steve.
If you could invite any poet, living or dead, to your house for dessert, who would it be and what would you offer them to eat and drink?
In third year of high school, my class studied and read the Odyssey (in ancient Greek), and whether written by one man, or word-of-mouth driven by many people, this invitation goes to a Greek who most know as Homer. A thousand questions I have for the man whose writings some claim to be the foundation of Western Literature. That (loosely-translated) opening of the Odyssey, “Tell me, O Muse, about the MAN Ulysses…” I recall after nearly 65 years (written 2760-3000 years ago). I would love sharing with Homer so many things! We would NOT go to a Greek restaurant. Dessert? Hmmm…Leche Con Plátano, (bananas-milk) con chocolate, of course!
How does writing poetry make you feel?
When writing poetry I am excited to the point of transference to another space, one where God might reside. It is like I become lost, lifted up from worldly dreariness, like playing a favorite violin concerto. I imagine it is how an artist might feel about a drawing or a painting, with which they are finally satisfied.
Before we wrap this up, Steve, tell us a little bit about your family and where you live.
Nearly 50 years ago I moved to Naples, Florida from Cincinnati, Ohio. I also have relatives in Tennessee and Alabama, a son in Michigan, age 57–that CAN’T be correct?!?–and a son and daughter live nearby in Naples. My wife of 22 years, Anna, and I live in a house with a yard full of weeds. A stepson in Tampa, and stepdaughter in South Korea, and grandchildren (3) and great grandchildren (2)…all ours!
You are truly blessed, Steve. Thanks so much for sharing a bit of yourself with us. Now it’s your turn, dVerse friends. Ask Steve any questions you might have in the comments and he will be sure to answer them.
Thank you for the interview, Steve. You are such an inspiration!
Laurie, you have honored me today. Under my feet are, um…clouds. Thank you, and the dVerse family for so much learning pleasure, the whole world–and for me. ❤
hey… that is one cool interview of a wonderful person… i met steve relatively early on my blogging journey and i cannot tell how much i appreciate his friendly and encouraging comments and wisdom… i knew a bit about your story and i’m so glad how you became the person you’re today steve… way cool… way to go… ha – watching the godfather 5 times…that’s a man thing…eh…? smiles
i usually watch movies only once as well…dunno exactly why…there’s only a handful that i would watch a second time… have to think if there’s one i would want to watch 5 times…smiles
and hey… don’t be mean… take homer to a greek restaurant…smiles
and if you ever manage to get your scooter water-proof – i’m just an ocean away you know…smiles
Claudia, poet, artist, writer, and one helluva wonderful Blog-Friend, thank you. The 5th time I viewed “Godfather” was a mistake. I thought I was seeing Godfather II (have never seen the follow-ups.) The conplete story of a life was in #1…
I just looked above, and OH! I have SO much catching up yo do, So many blogs, so little time–grin! Love your drawings, such a talent, YOU!
Your interview with him brings levity and joy. What happy words he has. 🙂
Imelde (I know you from my monitor!), I believe words were invented to BE light, buoyant, frivolous, happy–at least for me. Only at age 40 did I finally discover some of those. Thank you, Ma’am!
I have never seen The Godfather and I have had the movies 1 & 3 for a couple of years. Recently received #2 – I KNOW once I start I won’t be able to stop so I just had to get them in order. Why it took me so long, I have no idea. I love all the actors… I’m pleased to meet you for what I think is the first time and look forward to seeking out more of your poetry at your blog.
Margaret, a bit sad for not having met you, but that will change. You will love the Godfather, it you can look past some (a LOT of) bloody killing. Get your movies in order, maybe I’ll get those two I’ve missed. Thanks for responding here.
Nice to get to know you Steve E. I don’t have a question but would like to express my admiration, especially for your energy and drive. You inspire me to keep writing, to be kind, to live fully. Thanks so much.
What a nice interview.
Admit some thrill, I do, at reading all these kind words. My last job interview was many years ago. Man said, “Tell me about yourself”. I told him that I had been a drunk for many years, but was clean for about 10 years. He said “You’re hired!” (Bartender was the job vacancy!)–grin!
Thanks Laurie, enjoyed the post!
annelle4…when you thank Laurie, you are thanking me also. Isn’t she GREAT? She made this (what would normally be for me an ordeal) a fun day. And Laurie is such a fine talent.
You are very welcome, Annell.
Thanks, Steve and Laurie for the great interview. Steve, it is lovely to meet you. I have a yoga teacher/friend who ends each of her classes with “may the attitude you encounter be gratitude”. Sounds like your motto!
I like that, ds…have an attitude of gratitude. It works for me, and for some others I know! Thans for your comment.
Yes, indeed!
So cool to have met you through one of Laurie’s amazing interviews Steve. I love your attitude and spirit. How inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
It is certain–to me–that without Laurie’s handling of the process, an interview
could be a real chore. And I commend her, that in the aftermath of her fathers illness and death, and difficult dealing with affairs, Laurie immediately took up the reins of service to her dVerse community with grace.
Thank you for your kind words, Steve. I really do enjoy doing this.
Steve, you are a blessing. I love your approach to prayer–so simple and to the point. It’s so easy (for me) at least, to complicate things. Kindness is where we find happiness. I’ve been with dVerse since the first post and have no idea how I’ve missed your work. I will make a change there. Thank you, Laurie, for the intro to this wonderful man. (I was sure I was the oldest pubster!)
= )
smiles….here i am getting here late
to find a good friend waiting on me…i know this guy!
he’s stayed at my house….matter of fact i just asked when he
was coming back…and he is the genuine article…as real
as the words he uses…and he has a lovely wife too…
and a mean scooter…smiles….
Somehow, I knew you’d come by, Brian. IMAGINE, Laurie choosing ME. I almost fell off my bar stool, er…CHAIR when I saw her texting two days ago…to me! I asked Anna, about summer plans (just now) and she will “think” about the summer. Which meant that if I wish, I “have permission” to bike-it once more. Possibly the last time I can do that . (Been saying that for five years now –grin!)
When we are sorted out, I’ll call, and see if/when YOU are home and (as musicians always say when they are out of work) “at liberty”.
Thanks for coming by here my friend, I’ll do my best to catch up. Hope you understand.
What an awesome friendship you have.
cool. we would love to have you…and if this is the last year of your trek..we might just have to start coming to Naples…i can put a tent up in your yard?
I know… I thought of you, Brian, and your summer get-togethers. How awesome that is!
A wonderful and uplifting post for me this morning. Steve thank you for your positivity and it is refreshing to read words that encourage or bing happiness to the reader. Wishing you many more years of Beethoven, laughter, kindness and joy. Thank you.
Jenny, howdy! When I’m writing or talking to one whose tomorrow’s sun has been up for several hours…and my sun has not even set–yet–on “yesterday” I feel like we are always trying to play catch-up, and can vener approach that. Somethng like that “running away from” nightmare many experience. Having said all THAT, this is simply a thank you for your almost affinity-like understanding. But, yup, I must have quite a few years on you. But it does not stop us, right?
I keep on –grinning!
PEACE and LIGHT to you people who are today, already enjoying tomorrow!
Thank you Steve, so sweet of you. Not that many years 59 this year, 🙂 glad you keep on grinning and an absolute pleasure to meet you ~ thank you
This was truly a great interview, Laurie and Steve.
Steve , I loved your poems.
I heard you were being interviewed so had to come by and read ‘all about you’
My husband has watched The Godfather 7 times, he has you beat. LOL
Naples is a beautiful place to live, been there maybe 10 years ago, loved the place.
You are such an inspiration, Steve.
Keep well and keep that wonderful positive attitude .
Smiles ….
Thanks for stopping by my blog and offering your condolences, Margie.
Just the right dose of positivity and perspective I desperately needed today 🙂
Amen
Take some and LEAVE some, please…OK?
(My guess: there is enough for everyone)
What a delightful interview, Laurie…thoroughly enjoyed this….thank you. Lovely to meet you, Steve…don’t believe our paths have crossed but they may have… You are truly an inspiration and I just loved the poems that you shared here. Such a positive spirit you embody. On occasion, I have felt close to God when writing…especially when I write from my heart…makes sense, huh?
Gayle ~
Thank you.
Yup. I believe when we “create” (anything, art music, a child) poetry we are using one of those “God-like” attributes, gifts which everyone has, whether I.Q is 60 or 160.
thanks yo for your kind response, Gayle.
Nice interview, Laurie. Steve, I enjoyed reading more about you. I am impressed that you began writing poetry in earnest at age 76!! I like your attitude. I think throughout life we should always be willing to embrace new endeavors. You are an inspiration.
Cool that you continue to play the violin too & are teaching violin as well. I do think that teaching would make a person a better player. Both of my daughters took violin, and I have a great fondness for violin music. Now my grandson is playing….
Here are a few questions for you, Steve:
(1) Where do you find inspiration for writing your poetry?
(2) Do you read any published poets? If so, do you have a favorite one or two?
(3) If it were not for the blogosphere, do you think you would still write?
Anyway, nice meeting you, Steve. I always enjoy your poetry. And Laurie, thanks for the interview…
Great questions, Mary.
MARY, thanks for questions, I WILL respond, but am late for a rehearsal at this moment.
Mary, comments like yours excite me to write more! Ans to questions:
1. Inspiration–this will sound conyrived, but my first thoughts: Nature, birds, odors, colors…people, Universe, God, but mainly what is in my heart concerning these.
2. Do I read? (I knew I’d get caught here!) Outside of the many here in dVerse, my very favorite is–who else?–Pablo Neruda. When I read his thoughts, I frequently say to myself, “That’s the way *I* think!”. SO many…Emily Dickinson, Poe, Rumi, Shakespeare. I’m not “well-read”, but when I read, I pick the old-time best, OK?
3. Before I “found” the blogs, I wrote, usually with a pen–liked the shapes, as well!–
and lots of scratched-out words!
Thanks, Steve, for your answers. I like to find out about people, and I am glad you answered. I like your answers to where you find inspiration. Me too (ha, except for odors). As for who you read, I often see Neruda mentioned. I should make it a point to read him, I guess. No harm in reading ‘old time.’ I think they are tried and true, and I say why not! Glad you found the blogosphere. I no longer write with pen either. Sad kind of, but that is the way of the world. Again, nice getting to know you.
One of the most beautiful person I have come across in this blogger world … thanks for this friendship Steve 🙂
To my friend Amrit, who introduced me to another culture and several Indian friends, I bequeath you a piece of my heart…well, a small piece?
Yes, kindness is of primordial importance. I enjoyed every word of this interview. – so much joy in it.
Viv, I visited your blog (not the rant!) and shall return and comment, but wish to say here that JOY and PEACE seem to be good friends, maybe relatives?
Two nuns wrote book(let) of my deaf-blind father after his death.
Title? THE JOY OF LIVING…I received some of that, I feel certain.
What a lovely, lively poet and person! I want to be like that when I grow up. Thank you for introducing him to us, Laurie – or rather, for allowing us to get to know him better.
To you…Marina Sophia, I am not “BUSY”–grin! (Just need to cut out my nap, and I’ll have more time.) Over many years I have not learned of that power we all possess–to say “No!” Or yes? Never am I confused about the question, it’s that yes-or-no answer which gives me the shivers and shakes. Often I attribute the one where the other would have sufficed–grin!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment.
A wonderful interview! Thank you for this introduction to your uplifting poetry and for sharing some of your interesting life with us. Gratitude is my latest practice, so I thank you for the inspiration. (I have 28 years of sobriety….. and a violin that I bought after a one-day fiddle workshop for adults — and have been talking about taking lessons ever since. I just may do it now!)
Yes Lydia, did I mention that the lawyer-violin student is married to MY lawyer, both age late twenties with two little little children. He shuts himself in their garage every night at 11 PM to practice. He has ear-training issues, but getting better. I have gift of hearing–I can write down the notes which are played by a train whistle–grin!
He claims to LOVE learning, and reminded me that Einstein, and Sherlock Holmes each played their violin to quiet their minds. And so I definitely urge you to (FIND A TEACHER!) get your fiddle strung up, bow rehaired, and begin!
If you have ANY questions on this topic, it would honor me if you’d ask me.
fiddlemn@naples.net
Thanks for your words.
Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us. I love your attitude and appreciate your reminder to be kind to all we meet. And I’m in awe of how sobriety has brought such grace into so many lives including yours and my brother’s. What a gift. That you play it forward is your gift to us. I’m grateful.
BTW, My father took up line dancing at 84, he’s 97 now and still dancing. Something to look forward to!
L O V E that about your father, grandma Mary!
And it so good of your to pick out my so-called
“Eleventh Commandment”, which is BE KIND….
There is no doubt the richness of your life with all of its challenging soul-work underpins you as a poet. The gift perhaps in the ‘curse.’
Your poem was/is a gift…my “lengthy” comment is over there on your blog. Thank you for responding here, Ros
Hi Steve..a beautiful story is your life..ya sing one song of GOD when ya ‘right’ the melody is unmistakably ONE in write..:)
I suppose i’ve always been addicted to exercise..but Lorazepam.. a break from pain ..is my nemesis for over 5 years..and ending that ‘legal’ addiction..and the Miracle of end of pain..from GODIS..part of entry into LIGHT and being light..again…:)
And the gift of words from GOD..in GOD’s song with no measured metered plan from me..IS a gift ..in path to..
take me here….GOD bless your light..your words are shining beacon…:)
WOW! I am so glad for you, that you and “Something” (grin!) kicked the habit–so difficult, those “pain” issues, suffering. I pray tonight for yurrelief–release?– from all anxiety and fear. YOU know Who will deal with all that…Blessings
Thank you for the lovely interview Laurie ~
Steve, a pleasure to read more about you ~ Thanks for your thoughtful and enthusiastic comments in my blogs ~ Take care ~
GRACE! HELLO! OBOY! Someone I “know” is here. Your comment–so kind.
(This was really FUN…the Interview.)
See you again, my Blog-Friend.
PEACE and LIGHT.
Thanks, Laurie, for introducing me to Steve and his work–we have two important things in common: The Godfather (do watch II and III) and chocolate. What more is needed?
REVERBERATION–I feel like that sometimes!
Godfather? Chocolate??? Are you married?–grinning!!!!
Thanks Laurie for bringing us Steve — up close and personal. We’ve been “buds” for a fairly long time now..fellow musicians, he said the nicest thing about my poem “Trio” some years back, and we’ve had a running conversation ever since. Shouting out to Steve – I see you down there in Florida on your scooter. Woo Hoo!
Gay, Hi…your comment is SO WELCOME here. Thank you. Yep, my scooter and I “did the town” again this morning+rehearsal+meeting+pulling weeds+nap. Maybe I’ll stay up and watch my ONE fav weekly TV show: “Person of Interest”.
I’ll click in soon to say “Howdy”, girl.
I loved reading this Laurie and Steve! First, Laurie, you’re hitting the ground running. I have truly missed your interviews and poetry. Second, Steve, I resonate with your use and delight in moments, something happening with a capital S, and your short lines which strike huge bells with tremendous sound and meaning. How lovely to meet you. I feel a bit like a bell right now myself. Thank you.
Yes, I hear you, Susan, “DING-DONG, tinckle, tinckle, tinckle”! Glad you understood Capital “S”…that is about close as I dare to “understanding” God. (I KNOW Him, but just quit trying to figure Him out–grin!) Thanks for taking time to comment.
Late, late, late…I know. Curious as to what pulled you into poetry eventually. And the difference in what you get out of it compared to playin’ the violin.
Never met (yet) a writer of poetry who was/is not joyful, even through disaster. So I’m a copy-cat–grin! But I HAVE found that to play violin OR write poetry takes a focus bordering on meditation. The more mental application on the task, the more worthy may be the product. Less focus, less quality–for ME, that is. I forgot…DAILY practice. If I do not practice (writing, or playing violin) I lose whatever little had been gained in a short time.
I get the same (life in outer space) feeling from music and poetry equally. Since I have been playing many years, I am better at violin, than at computer keyboard. One difference I notice.
Ya play a “sour” note, it is out there for eternity.
Ya screw up a phrase or a whole dissertation, it can be changed forever and ever, edited, scratched, added, subtracted, etc.
Thank you, Brian, for helping me to think of these things at this time!
I am super late to this, but I really just have to say it was so very nice to read this interview yesterday, it brought some tears to my eyes. Steve’s poetry and light words have softened my heart. Truly something beautiful.
I do wonder though, if Steve would give us young and, perhaps, naive folks in our 20’s a word of advice, what would it be?… smiles.
Thanks so much, Laurie, for that interview, and thank you so much, Steve, for sharing a bit of yourself, your life, and your poetry with us.. you are inspiring.
Lila
Of COURSE, Steve will be glad to give advice–it is, do not give advice, unless it is specific, and with knowledge. Or I could just repeat my “mantra-of-the-day” “BE KIND”
Psssst: Thank you for those so very sweet words, you are already “kind”, I can see that!
smiles.. Thank you, Steve!